Dear Parents,
February is upon us! Since Valentine’s Day is in February, I associate the month of February with one of our school’s core values–LOVE. February is also the month of the Holy Family, a family that we may look towards as an example of unconditional love. Below is a prayer that we can offer together to remind us of our love for our families, and to remind us that we are a school family working together to help our children open their hearts and minds. As stated in our school philosophy–We are a family–somos una familia–with parents, students, and educators working together.
JESUS, Son of God and Son of Mary, bless our family. Graciously inspire in us the unity, peace, and mutual love that you found in your own family in the little town of Nazareth.
MARY, Mother of Jesus and Our Mother, nourish our family with your faith and your love. Keep us close to your Son, Jesus, in all our sorrows and joys.
JOSEPH, Foster-father to Jesus, guardian and spouse of Mary, keep our family safe from harm. Help us in all times of discouragement or anxiety.
HOLY FAMILY OF NAZARETH, make our family one with you. Help us to be instruments of peace. Grant that love, strengthened by grace, may prove mightier than all the weaknesses and trials through which our families sometimes pass. May we always have God at the center of our hearts and homes until we are all one family, happy and at peace in our true home with you. AMEN.
–Mrs. Sandra Jimenez
CALENDAR REMINDERS
As noted on our school calendar, Monday, February 12 is a 12:00 dismissal day for teachers to attend an Archdiocesan professional development session. BVCC will be open for students who are registered for Mondays. If your child is not registered for BVCC, please plan accordingly for your child to be picked up on the way home at the 12:00 dismissal time.
Also noted on our school calendar–there is NO SCHOOL on Friday, February 16 and Monday, February 19 for the President’s Day Break.
ASH WEDNESDAY
Next week, we begin the liturgical season of LENT on Ash Wednesday. We will have school Mass on Ash Wednesday–February 14–at 9:30 AM. Families are welcome to join us at this Mass.
* We will not have school Mass on Tuesday next week since we will be attending Mass on Ash Wednesday.
VALENTINE’S TREATS ON MARDI GRAS (TUESDAY)
Because Ash Wednesday is on February 14 (Valentine’s Day), classes will be having their Valentine’s celebrations on TUESDAY, February 13. Valentine treats will NOT be distributed on February 14 in respect of Ash Wednesday.
For Valentine’s Day, students may distribute pre-packaged snacks or treats and/or non-edible items (such as pencils or stickers) to their classmates. Please be sure that your child has enough items to distribute to each person in his/her class. Teachers will let you know how many students are in each class.
SPRING PICTURE DAY
St. Peter’s Lifetouch Spring Picture Day will take place on Thursday, February 15. These photos are OPTIONAL for students to take.
If your child is taking a spring photo, he/she may wear appropriate free dress, as outlined in our School Handbook. Order forms will be sent home, or you may order online at https://my.lifetouch.com/mylifetouch/#/ and enter our school Picture Day ID: EVTNS8RFP
PARENT WORKSHOP SERIES
In partnership with BVCC, we are offering a parent workshop series, hosted by Pamela Lopez, LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker).
- “We will delve into ways to cultivate connection with your child, learn the importance of reconnection to self, and discover how to support your child’s optimal healthy development.”
Workshops are focused on students in grades 5-8, but all parents are welcome to join.
The first workshop is on February 13 from 5:00-6:30 at St. Peter’s School. Dinner and child care will be provided.
** Please register for the workshop using this link by February 12: https://forms.gle/1XwmZ1RbT2hojfXf8 and see the flier below for more information.
TRIMESTER 2 PROGRESS REPORTS
Last week, Progress Reports for Trimester 2 were sent home. Progress Reports provide a snapshot of your child’s progress, giving time to maintain grades or submit work for improvement before the end of the trimester Report Card arrives.
Signed and returned Progress Reports are now past due. Please sign and return your child’s progress report if you have not already done so. If you have any questions regarding the progress report, please contact your child’s teacher.
STAR ASSESSMENTS
We are now in the 3rd window of STAR assessments–February 5-16. These standardized assessments are taken four times throughout the school year and help provide additional data on student progress in Math and Reading. If you have any questions about STAR assessments, please contact your child’s teacher.
MESSAGE REGARDING THE ARCHDIOCESE ELEMENTARY FAMILY GRANT
- Each year families may apply through TADS for the Archdiocese Elementary Family Grant. This grant does not renew automatically. TADS is now accepting applications for the school term 2024-2025, If you are interested in applying, please go to www.mytads.com to complete your new 2024-2025 financial aid application. Please be sure to have your financial documents (2023 Federal tax form 1040, W-2, 1099, Calworks, Calfresh, Social Security, Workers Comp, Unemployment or any other financial documents requested by TADS). ready to upload or fax to TADS.
- Your application and all documents need to be received by TADS no later than April 1, 2024. After the Student Aid Form has been processed by TADS, the Department of Catholic Schools gathers the completed application materials. The Archdiocese of San Francisco is unable to provide financial aid to all students who apply. Applicants are ranked on the basis of financial need. Within the limit of available funds, the Archdiocese of San Francisco will then award financial aid.
- Late applications will NOT be considered. Students must live in Marin, San Francisco, or San Mateo Counties to be considered for the Archdiocesan Scholarship. Please visit the other scholarship programs section for more opportunities. Grant notifications will be sent out from the Archdiocese to the elementary students’ families in late May/early June.
If you have any questions, phone TADS at 800-477-8237.
MESSAGE FROM THE BASIC FUND
The BASIC Fund application for new students is now available online at https://basicfund.org/. The New Application deadline is March 29, 2024.
Renewal emails for returning students have been sent by BASIC Fund to parent emails. If you need to change your email for the Basic Fund or have questions, please call (415) 986-5650. The Renewal Application deadline is March 29, 2024.
SCHOOL UNIFORMS
We live our core value to UNITE as students wear their school uniform with pride. Please remember that the complete daily uniform includes the plain white polo shirt, navy slacks or uniform skirt/jumper, green uniform sweatshirt, black or white socks, and solid black or solid white sneakers (tennis shoes).
On Fridays (unless there is a church service), students may wear the optional gray Aztecs hoodie, Aztecs sweatpants, and Aztecs T-shirt.
** To purchase the gray Aztecs sweats, obtain an order form in the school office.
For more details on the school uniform, refer to the Uniform section of the Parent-Student Handbook that was distributed on the first day of school, which is also available on the school website: http://www.stpeterssf.org/parents-students
Students who are out of uniform will receive a “Uniform Notice” to be signed by a parent or guardian, as a reminder about the uniform policy, and to help us unite as a school community!
JANUARY STUDENTS OF THE MONTH
Homeroom teachers identify and describe Students of the Month at the end of each month. We all celebrate these students because they have exemplified living the St. Peter’s KEYS:
Knowledge feeds GROWTH.
Every ACCOMPLISHMENT needs courage.
You are LOVE.
SERVICE UNITES.
Congratulations to our January Students of the Month!
Kindergarten - Alejandra Soto comes to school ready to learn. She takes in everything like a sponge. She listens intently, finishes her work, and helps others. She likes to be challenged and participate in whole-class and small-group learning. Alejandra lives out the KEYS by completing all her work and helping her fellow classmates. She unites the class by reminding others to listen. Congratulations, Alejandra!
1st Grade - Itzayana Robelo Hernandez brightens up the classroom when she walks in. She continues to GROW and ACCOMPLISH in math and in writing. She is also very friendly and has been a wonderful ambassador to our visitors. Way to go, Itzayana!
2nd Grade - Isabella Calderon always displays the St. Peter's core value of LOVE. She comes to school with a smile and a positive attitude. She has really grown as a reader and gets excited when she learns new things. Keep up the great work, Isabella!
3rd Grade - Rosemarie Garcia has been described as hardworking, focused and caring by her classmates. She is an active listener and a student you can always find doing her best work and staying on task. Most of all she has a compassionate heart and a great friend to others. She comes into class ready to UNITE and ACCOMPLISH. We are glad to have you in class, Rosemarie!
4th Grade - Joshua Estrada has been a star student and a shining example of someone living out St. Peter's School's KEYS. Joshua brings enthusiasm and energy to class each day as he cheers on and supports his classmates whenever we take part in a Kahoot or Blooket. He really cares about his learning and is consistent with his classwork and homework. In addition to being a solid student in class, he is also a really good friend to everyone in class and loves his family. Keep up the great work, Joshua! You have earned it.
5th Grade - Ethan Morales-Romero has demonstrated his ability to be accountable for his learning. He asks questions that help support his learning, accepts new challenges, and persists through the challenges with humor. His ability to advocate for himself is going to continue to serve him well. Ethan demonstrates the KEYS each day by completing his schoolwork, supporting his friends and teammates, and keeping a positive attitude. Way to grow, accomplish, love, serve, and unite in fifth grade, Ethan!
6th Grade - Eduardo Rodriguez Flores is always punctual–NO TARDIES and NO ABSENCES! He shows initiative and eagerness to learn. He participates in class and extends help to his classmates. Thank you, Eduardo!
7th Grade - Milena Arevalo-Zelayandia exemplifies St. Peter's core values of LOVE and UNITE by showing concern for others, helping out in the classroom, and being kind-hearted with her classmates. Milena radiates kindness and empathy toward others. She also demonstrates growth in her faith and in her school work. Great job, Milena! Keep being you!
8th Grade - Paola Carranza has continued to grow this year! She has a drive to be academically successful and has offered herself to help others whenever possible. Her focus and dedication are admirable and by taking risks, she has grown in many ways. Paola continues to keep an open heart and open mind, for herself and for those around her. Keep up the great work, Paola!
REMINDERS:
February 7 5:30 PM Parent First Communion Zoom Meeting
February 12 12:00 Dismissal
February 14 9:30 AM Ash Wednesday School Mass; LENT begins
February 14 12:30 Dismissal
February 15 LifeTouch Spring Picture Day
February 16, 19 NO SCHOOL; President’s Day Break
February 20 LifeTouch School Panoramic Picture Day
